I found this project on Artsonia.com. I love how it makes students think of trees as a series of branches, and not just a fluffy shape that sits on a stick.

1. Students draw a large “Y” on their paper.2. They add smaller “Y” on each side, alternating as they go up each branch. To make the “Y” the most realistic, they should be directed upward towards the sky.3. When the lines are complete, they need to be thickened. The fattest part of the tree should be at the bottom trunk, and all the lines should gradually get thinner until they end in points at the top.4. Lots of fall colors may be colored around the branches. I used my favorite Portfolio oil pastels.5. The background may be added, with grass and shadow and sun and clouds.